Project Tiger in India

Project Tiger in India

Project Tiger in India
Project Tiger was incorporated in 1973 with nine tiger reserves covering an area of 16,339 sq.km., which has increased to 37,761 sq.km. in 27 Tiger Reserves. The budgetary provision of the Government of India during 1973 was only Rs. 23 million, which has increased to 230 million during 2000-2001.

In the beginning of the 1970s, once tiger hunting had officially been banned in India, a tiger count was done across the entire country. This lead to the astonishing discovery that only 1800 specimens of this magnificent animal were left. This jolted the concerned authorities and some serious thought went into devising plans to save the tiger. The result was the launch of "Project Tiger" in 1972 at the Dhikala Forest Rest House in Corbett National Park. The main idea behind the project was to provide safe havens for tigers where they could flourish as a species and hopefully reverse the startling decline in their population. The project initially had 9 parks that were chosen for it's implementation. This number has slowly risen and a total of 19 parks are now attached to the project. The project was begun in association with and still receives its main funding from the WWF.

Although the experts affirm that the project has its shortcomings, the increase in the populations of the tiger is clearly evident to even the common man. Many experts had predicted that the tiger would be extinct by the turn of the century, but, whoever may be responsible, the tiger has proudly proved them wrong. Tiger population may not still be in thrilling numbers and poaching still may be quite rampant but a lot more effort is being put into saving this beautiful animal. This is good news for the entire natural treasure of the country because if the tiger flourishes, so will the jungle and vice-versa.
Problems faced by Tiger Reserves:
Legend & Lore: In India tiger skins were & are still valued by black magicians as a seat during meditation. In China, various parts...